Break Free: 5 Things to Do If You're Feeling Stuck

We’ve all been there before. We’re cruising at the perfect speed and all of a sudden we hit a pothole in the road, causing us to become temporarily stuck. Well, there’s both good and bad news. The good news is it’s temporary and with a little push, we can pull ourselves out of what “pothole” we may have encountered in our life. The bad news is that the amount of time it takes to bounce back ranges, but is solely up to you and how determined you are to move forward. While the feeling of being stuck is one that is fleeting, it can linger a lot longer than we anticipate at times and create a space of residence in your mind. This feeling has the ability to make us think that we aren’t doing as much as we could or should be, but truth be told, through this journey of feeling stuck, we often find the promises of growth and personal exploration along the way.

The causes of feeling stuck vary on a broad range. For some it stems from thoughts of not being enough, not doing enough, or the constant pressure of pleasing people over making sure your own needs are met first and foremost. Other factors include, but are not limited to, shifts in one’s career, challenges within certain relationships, and societal expectations. When this feeling arises, it’s important that we get to the nitty gritty of our dissatisfaction. Getting up close and personal with the things that could be holding us back is the first step to facing your fears and breaking free from the shackles of being stagnant.

I remember feeling like I had no way to escape last year. A vivid recollection of feeling stuck and confused. After I resigned from my long-term career in education last March, I found myself drowning in feelings of stagnancy and self-doubt for eight long months. What I thought was the perfect decision at the time, turned out to be a decision that would leave me questioning my identity and my worth. I was stuck and I had no one to blame but myself. At least, that’s what I assumed. I struggled with understanding how I was going to get by. I transitioned from my career without much cushion to my savings and the feeling of remorse didn’t hit me until months later. While maintaining a positive outlook seemed like the best option due to the situation at hand, my thoughts and judgment were clouded by the uncertainty of what my next step would be. On the journey to a new career path, I received rejection email after rejection email and that eerie feeling of stagnancy lingered, no matter the positive efforts I put forth. Once my funds ran dry and I had no other choice but to pull myself out of this feeling, the weight of feeling stuck began to dissipate with time. I knew that it wasn’t meant to happen overnight, but I also had confidence in knowing that with constant self check-ins, the unveiling of my true purpose was somewhere around the corner.

Feeling stuck is not the end of the world. Instead, it’s the evolution of who you’re meant to become. The main goal in the journey of feeling stuck is being able to acknowledge your gifts and overcome powerlessness. Below are a few tips on things to do if you’re feeling stuck!

1. Set Clear and Attainable Goals

Write down your goals and live by them. Get creative and document them through creating a collage or vision board you can reference on a daily basis. Define your aspirations with clarity. Document your goals if necessary. Get creative by creating a collage or vision board to project in your office or common space – this will help you reinforce a positive mindset. The quicker you outline the specifics and ensure their achievability, the closer you’ll be to realizing your divine purpose.

2. Take Baby Steps

Although feeling stuck can definitely suck the life out of you, pulling yourself out of that negative space isn’t a race. Pace yourself. Sometimes when we find ourselves rushing, we wind up right back where we started. You can’t run before you walk. Focusing on smaller, more manageable, steps makes progress more attainable.

3. Emotional Assistance

Being able to lean on your support system in times of need is so important. Oftentimes we just need someone to listen and lend an ear. Whether it be friends, family, a mentor, or therapist, seek them for advice and guidance as you learn to navigate through your feelings.

4. Celebrate the Small Wins

Feeling stuck may make you feel as though someone has pressed the pause button on your life, but that doesn’t mean that life stops completely. In the midst of pulling yourself out of the space you’re in, there’s still room for improvement and working towards whatever you set your mind on. With that comes small wins that deserve to be celebrated. Those small wins are reminders that it can be done. Remember, baby steps.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Allowing a sense of calm and clarity to take over through the practice of mindfulness and meditation is a huge help in alleviating the sensation of being stuck. Becoming in tune with yourself and digging deep into your emotions really helps you sit with your feelings, minus the judgment. Thanks to technology, there are several meditation apps and videos you can enjoy to help you zen out and embrace the calm. Living in the present doesn’t mean you forgot about the past and the future, but it gives you the space to disconnect for a bit and welcome a nice balance.

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Break Free: 5 Ways to Overcome Feeling Stuck  was originally published on elev8.com